The project represents the first stage of a comprehensive program for constructing a state-wide hydrogen fueling infrastructure network and is the single largest deployment of hydrogen fueling stations in the United States. The project is backed by grants from the California Energy Commission and by loans from Toyota.

“A lack of commitment to fueling infrastructure has been the major hurdle to the electrification of the automobile,” said Joel Ewanick, CEO of FirstElement Fuel. “Building this hydrogen network takes that argument off the table. Black & Veatch’s experience in building electrical vehicle charging infrastructure and distributed energy facilities nation-wide makes them an ideal provider for this program.”

The hydrogen refueling stations will be located at existing gas filling stations across Northern and Southern California (see map).The stations represent a critical step in supporting greater adoption of zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell technology for transportation purposes. Vehicles that use hydrogen fuel cells create a chemical reaction with the hydrogen to generate electricity and power an electric motor. Clean water vapor is the only exhaust from the vehicle.

“Black & Veatch is a leader in delivering distributed infrastructure solutions and we are excited to be part of the evolution in transportation fuels,” said Rick Azer, Director of Development for Black & Veatch’s Smart Integrated Infrastructure services. “This network is an essential component to widespread use of zero emission, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.”

Black & Veatch signed a master services agreement with FirstElement Fuel to provide permitting, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for the 19 stations. All stations will be completed in 2015.

FirstElement Fuel received a $27.6 million grant from the California Energy Commission to help finance development of the facilities.

Toyota, which will introduce its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in model year 2015 in California, has also provided FirstElementFuel with loans for the project.

About FirstElement Fuel
FirstElement Fuel, Inc. is committed to providing its customers with access to safe, reliable, retail hydrogen fueling for the world’s next-generation of vehicles powered by fuel cells. Our fuel is made of the most abundant element in the universe, the first element, hydrogen. We produce it entirely from domestic sources. When it is consumed in a fuel cell vehicle the only by product is water vapor with zero harmful emissions. The next generation fuel is here. And it can help us build a better future. Learn more at www.firstelementfuel.com.

About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building Critical Human Infrastructure™ in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2013 were US$3.6 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.